Category Archives: Thailand

Teaching English in Chumpon, Thailand

Report submitted on 23 Mar, 2017 by Teacher Ren.

Teaching English in Chumpon, Thailand:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Chumpon, Thailand?In that area, looking for a teaching job is not that difficult. You may get the help of your co-teacher and ask them where are other schools hire foreign teacher. As an Fililpino english language teacher, you’ll be the next choice if they can’t find a caucasian teacher. The salary grade is next to the caucasian so it is not so low at all. In the school where taught, the local thai teacher received 10-18k thai baht (approx. 303 – 546 US$) , we with all the freebies, we had 20-25k thai baht (approx. 606 – 768 US$). Cost of living is not expensive. In fact, a decent house rent will get you 2-2.5k (approx. 61 – 76 US$) per month. But since you are teaching English so much is being expected, so you really have to return the favor efficiently.

The main English teaching jobs available are:Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools

What are the minimum teaching requirements?The minimum teaching requirements are the following.
English degree in your country, licensure exams, experience and other certificates such as TESOL, TOFEL and modern approach in teaching like the use of laptops for powerpoint presentations. TOEIC now is being required for foreign teachers.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?Degree in English, license teacher in your country, pretty decent teaching experience in english subjects, TESOL or TOFEL certifications and TOEIC.

What are the levels of payment?When i was there it is per month. I received 25k thai baht (approx. 768 US$)inclusive of free lunch and board.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
Five teaching days a weak.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?6-7 hours face to face hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?Same, as with local Thai teachers. If holiday, then foreign teachers are also holiday.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chumpon, Thailand to teach English?
The advice, well, I would say, be ready. Make yourself be dedicated. Prove that you are worth to be kept and they are not paying you for less. Provide room for improvement credentially. Don’t speak Thai language. Make sure that English language is used in your daily encounters.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Chumpon, Thailand?
Well, Thai people are friendly and easy to accommodate with less the language barrier. Teaching English requires you to be patient, effective and sincere. They are paying high that in return they get what they paid for.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Chumpon, Thailand?
Boredom and transportation.

Living in Chumpon, Thailand:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Thailand?
It is necessary to be Thailand legally to prevent future serious problems. Avoid working there under tourist visa. If the hiring agency is responsible to the working visa then have it documented.

What is the cost of living like in Thailand?
Low cost of living. If you are in the rural part, yes. But if you are in the city part, there is a difference. The teacher’s lifestyle dictates. But it general teaching in Thailand is not that too expensive.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?You can find accommodation anywhere. But normally, it is stated in your contract.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Chumpon, Thailand?If you really appreciate the culture in Thailand, then i think they accept immigrants provided you meet the requirements.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, Thailand?
As far as my experience, no other negatives.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chumpon, Thailand?
Learn the language. If you are in the school setting, speak English. If not it is highly advisable to learn the local language.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
The cost of living and fast internet.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Thailand?the pupils and the fast internet

Teaching English in Chonburi, Thailand

Report submitted on 12 June, 2015 by Stacey.

Teaching English in Chonburi, Thailand:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Chonburi, Thailand?Through agencies and other schools.

The main English teaching jobs available are:Full time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?Tefl, Tesol, BA degree.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?– Tefl or Tesol.– At least a few weeks experience as a volunteer so you know what a school environment is like.– Need to be pretty much fluent.– Criminal check to prove you have no convictions.

What are the levels of payment?Monthly wage 33,000 baht (approx.US$980).

How many teaching days a week is normal?5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?17 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?Any public holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chonburi, Thailand to teach English?Need a lot of patience – the children are lovely and well mannered but their English even for a 11 year old can be pretty basic.Teachers are lovely but notices are really short, you might walk into a classroom to find no class to be told that they have gone on a trip.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Chonburi, Thailand?Stunning scenery, very cheap, Thai people are extremely polite and well mannered and will go out of their way to help.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Chonburi, Thailand?Placements can be rural and in a quiet village where you are the only English person in your village.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?Communication – being able to communicate and explain things can be difficult.

Living in Chonburi, Thailand:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Thailand?Need a tourist visa or non immigration B visa which the school/company converts to a work permit.

What is the cost of living like in Thailand?Very cheap rent is 5,000 baht (approx. US$150) or less for a luxury flat, food is really cheap about 40 baht (approx. US$1.20) for a meal.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?Company and school can find you places. Teachers will recommend places to you as well.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Chonburi, Thailand?Nice and quiet, local markets, lovely local people, nice scenery with fantastic sea views, not to far from Pattaya or Chonburi city centre.Learning Thai: people are more than happy to teach – I teach English to people and they teach me Thai in return.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Chonburi, Thailand?No methods of transport unlike Bangkok with taxis and buses. My area has none so you walk or get a scooter.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chonburi, Thailand?– Learn basic Thai.– If you get in a taxi, make them put a meter on so they can’t scam you.– Go out and meet new people – Thai people are so friendly and will want to engage in a conversation.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?Being able to cook – most Thai people eat out because it’s cheaper than cooking and buying ingredients.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Thailand?The weather and the people – met some great people locally.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?Tea bags. Definitely tea bags. Travel iron and kettle.

Teaching English in Loei, Thailand

Teaching English in Loei, Thailand:

The main English teaching jobs available are:Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?University degree in any subject, TEFL, TOEIC for non-native speakers. Native speakers are prefered.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?25 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?4 weeks holidays in April/May. 2 weeks for festivals and religious holidays. Normal paid holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Loei, Thailand to teach English?Meet other farang (foreigners) at ‘The Saloon’ on Friday night. Many teachers meet there for drinks after 19:00 hours

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Loei, Thailand?Plenty of work, grateful and eager students and cooperative parents, stressless life.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Loei, Thailand?Level of spoken English in society is extremely low.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?You do have to learn to speak basic Thai, also to read and write it as well.

Living in Loei, Thailand:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Thailand?You need a business visa or non “o” (based on marriage).

What is the cost of living like in Thailand?Approx 30,000 baht (US$940) for single, 50,000 baht (US$1,570) for a couple.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?There are no arrangements. Drive around and ask around. Many houses for rent between 4000 and 8000 baht (US$125-250).

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Loei, Thailand?Laid back, friendly people, sunny climate, good food.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Loei, Thailand?Hardly any cultural life up in the North East of Thailand. Visa and work-permit hassle – burocracy.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Loei, Thailand?Do your homework, and do not try anything illegal. Only work with the right visa and permit.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?Nothing.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Thailand?Easy living, good food, warm weather, the people.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?Good VPN router.

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Jay

Nationality: Dutch

Students I’ve taught in Thailand: Elementary (6-12 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business

Where I teach: I teach privately, to children and adult, to small businesses. Working here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Word of mouth, and advertisements/brochure.

Teaching English in Chom Tong area, Thailand

Report submitted on 1 July, 2014 by Dave.

Teaching English in Chom Tong area, Thailand:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Chom Tong area, Thailand?Thailand has a strong advertising from companies that help people to become certified and teach here. Typically it includes placement. I teach for free as a retired resident at two schools (two days a week) and a morning class on Saturday. There is tons of info on the Internet. I would suggest using a company that is located in the region where one wants to teach.

The main English teaching jobs available are:I really don’t know the answer to this but I know that International teachers usually find employment in a provincial center, like Chiang Mai, or even at the District level, though less common.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?Probably includes some weekends.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chom Tong area, Thailand to teach English?Do it, the kids in primary school where I teach are great and respect teachers at a level we’re not accustomed too. There are many community benefits too because of the high regard for teachers. I don’t know about life in the big city ;-]

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Chom Tong area, Thailand?See above.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Chom Tong area, Thailand?The Thai teachers have limited skills at teaching English though most have a positive attitude about teaching and the need for English language in their country.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?IT may be limited.

Living in Chom Tong area, Thailand:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Thailand?Of course there are visa requirements but I don’t think they are more stringent than anywhere else. It so happens that the newly forming ASEAN trading block is using English as the central language. Thailand is now hiring many more International teachers to help improve their English skills. It is a good time to be looking.

What is the cost of living like in Thailand?US$1,000 per month should be enough for a single person to live quite comfortably.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?Don’t know but there are always plenty of apartments for rent in provincial cities.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Chom Tong area, Thailand?Great food and pleasant people.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Chom Tong area, Thailand?One needs to be open, patient, trusting and understanding because of differences in culture.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chom Tong area, Thailand to live?See above.

About Me and My Work:

My Name: David

Nationality: US

Students I’ve taught in Thailand: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years)

Where I teach: Primary schools in Chomthong District, a rural area for almost a year.